Steinbeck's America: The Dust Bowl, Great Depression and Migration West

Steinbeck, in many of his novels, addresses the concerns of a nation fighting it's way out of the Great Depression. In groups, research The Dust Bowl, Great Drepression and California Migration and answer the questions for each article. Each group will be responsible for posting answers to their questions on the echalk class discussion board.In addition, each group will need to find pictures that help to illustrate the group's ideas and post them to the following site: http://padlet.com/wall/bpowers (10H)http://padlet.com/wall/xllio6e2qv (10R)A.The Great DepressionGroups: Per. 3 - Gordon, Nick F., Nick R., Stacy & Antonio Per. 9 - Rob, Nick, Bill & Darra1. How many Americans were unemployed at the height of The Great Depression?2. What were the causes of The Great Depression?3. How long did The Great Depression last?4. Describe the actions taken to help America Recover.B.Surviving the Dust BowlGroups: Per. 3 - Kemi, Alex, Kate, Will & Ryan Per. 9 - Henry, Molly, Ryan P. & David1. Describe the "Black Blizzards." Be sure the give as many details as possible.2. What conditions created the Dust Bowl?3. What challenges did the "Dust Bowlers” have to overcome? C.Surviving the DroughtGroups: Per. 3 - Sarah, Tesia, Sing, Bianca & Jack Per. 9 - Alex, Matt & Sareena1. According to Ernie Pyle, the Great Plains is "the saddest land I have ever seen." Why did he say this?2. What conditions created the Dust Bowl?3. What helped Midwesterners overcome this period of difficulty? Be sure to give as many reasons as possible.D.Exodus From the PlainsGroups: Groups: Per. 3 - Camilla, Julia K., Hogan & Chandler Per. 9 - Jason, Timmy & Jack1. Why did farmers adandon their lands?2. One farmer said, "So? Well, you ought to see what they got where I come from." Why is this significant?3. What challenges did the migrant workers face?

E.The New DealGroups: Per. 3 - Andrew, Zach, Remy & Max Per. 9 - Jordan, Kim & Emily1. Why were the various New Deal programs necessary? 2. What programs did Roosevelt put into place?3 Describe the purpose for each program and whether or not each was successful.

F.Rethinking the American DreamGroups: Per. 3 - Julia F., Jon, Olivia & Jamie Per. 9 - Sydney, Ryan M. & Rohanie1. What is the American Dream? (Make a list of details before reading the article.)2. How does your list compare to details in the article?3. According to the article, what was the American Dream like in the 1930's?4. Describe how today, many people are living “the American Dream in reverse.”Final QuestionAfter reading comments from the other groups, how do you think the Great Depression, Dust Bowl and Migration West would have impacted two migrant farmers moving from town-to-town looking for work? Thinking about the economic and social conditions, what might they stress about on a daily basis?

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